Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited
Rowland England has a strong background in the gaming and hospitality industry. Rowland started their career in 2001 at Keg Restaurants Limited, where they served as an Operations Analyst, managing cost control processes and assisting in budget preparation for 50 corporate restaurants. Rowland also played a key role in implementing a new inventory control software application.
In 2005, Rowland joined Great Canadian Gaming as a Senior Business Operations Analyst, focusing on driving financial improvements in the Food and Beverage division. Rowland developed operational reporting and implemented a slot efficiency model that led to significant increases in slot revenues.
Rowland then moved to Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited in 2012, where they held various roles of increasing responsibility. Rowland started as Manager of Business Analytics and was later promoted to Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, leading the FP&A team and facilitating the organization's fast growth. Rowland provided senior-level analyses, managed the budgeting process, and developed dashboards and KPI metrics for continuous improvement of operating results.
In 2014, Rowland became the General Manager of Starlight Casino, Gateway's second-largest casino operation in BC. Rowland focused on data-driven decision-making, quality control, and customer service, resulting in superior profitability. Rowland also oversaw the redesign of the casino floor, the opening of a new sports bar, and a major renovation of the show lounge.
Rowland's success at Starlight Casino led to their promotion to General Manager of Grand Villa Casino Resort in 2016. In this role, they led a large and complicated casino property, including a 200-room hotel, convention center, multiple F&B outlets, and a wide range of gaming options. Rowland managed 13 diverse departments and a team of over 1200 staff, including 900 unionized employees.
In 2017, Rowland was promoted to VP Operations BC West - Casinos, responsible for the performance of Grand Villa Casino, Starlight Casino, and the opening of the new Cascades Delta casino & hotel property. Rowland drove organizational vision and mission, established operational benchmarks, and proactively drove improvements.
In 2022, Rowland's continued success in managing the major casinos in the BC West region led to a promotion to VP Operations BC West - Casinos & CGC. In addition to the casinos, they now also leads the 5 Community Gaming Centres in the Western Region.
Overall, Rowland England has a proven track record of strategic leadership, operational execution, and delivering results in the gaming and hospitality industry.
Rowland England attended the CMA Society of BC from 2001 to 2004, where they pursued the CPA (CMA) Designation without obtaining any degree. Prior to that, they studied Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management at the University of Portsmouth from 1988 to 1992, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with Honors degree.